The Impact of Tardive Dyskinesia on Mental Health

In this episode of the Strength Beyond Struggle podcast, host Michele Nelson discusses Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) with Melinda Claypool, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. They explore the complexities of Tardive Dyskinesia, its impact on patients, and the role of dopamine in mental health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication between patients and providers, the uniqueness of each patient’s experience, and the stigma surrounding mental health. They also discuss the significance of therapy, the influence of adverse childhood experiences, and the hope offered by new treatment options for Tardive Dyskinesia.

Episode Highlights: Tardive Dyskinesia, Mental Health, Dopamine, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Medication Side Effects, Stigma, Therapy, Communication, Patient Care

A conversation with a pyschiatric nurse

Learn the signs and symptoms of medication caused Tardive Dyskinesia

One survey of tardive dyskinesia patients found that the movement disorder has big impacts on sufferers. – A third quit their anti-psychotic medication – despite the risks. – About 29% were chronically absent from work because of tardive dyskinesia. – And 69% said they were much less productive when they did go to work because of tardive dyskinesia. Fortunately, the survey also found that new dopamine-blocking drugs are much less likely to cause tardive dyskinesia. Please remember – we’re not doctors. Don’t rely on this podcast to diagnose your tardive dyskinesia – or to select a treatment. Find a professional like Melinda, preferably one who has experience with diagnosing and treating tardive dyskinesia. Especially before you discontinue one of that dopamine blocking anti-psychotic drug. And make sure the professional you talk to knows all about these third-generation drugs that are less likely to cause tardive dyskinesia. So, reading the research – a couple of things seem clear about tardive dyskinesia: Anti-psychotics that affect dopamine can restore the lives of many people suffering from severe mental illness. But they come at a risk. Despite that, don’t give up. Get informed about tardive dyskinesia. Find a doctor who will listen about tardive dyskinesia, like Melinda who is up to date on the latest medications that regulate dopamine. Most of all, don’t let the shame and fear of tardive dyskinesia isolate you. Come join us in Endling the Silence around tardive dyskinesia.

Research on Tardive Dyskinesia

Medscape:

(James Robert Braskic, Aug 19, 2024)

Involuntary movement of tongue, lips, face, trunk, extremities in patients treated with long-term dopaminergic antagonist medications.
Condition existed before development of these medications
Schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders especially vulnerable.
Most common in schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder and bipolar
Long treatment with anti-psychotic medications most common cause but also in fetal alcohol syndrome, brain disorders and other developmental disabilities.
Associated with changes in dopamine receptor genes
One theory: dysfunction of dopamine transporter – but that’s disputed.
Some evidence linked to variation in dopamine transporter and manganese superoxide dismutase gene – but evidence is inconsistent
Further research needed to establish role of dopamine-linked genes.
TD might be different from other movement disorders that occur in same group of patients (including akathisia, acute dystonia and other hyperkinetic dyskinesias)

Impact of TD on physical wellness and social functioning

(Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes – may of 2025)

Caroline Tanner, Stanley Caroff, Andrew Cutler, William Lenderking, Huda Shalhoub, Veronique Page, Ericha Franey, Michael Serbin and Chuck Yonan

Conclusion: Patients were consistent in rating impact of TD on their lives whether it was subjective or standardized instruments. However, physician ratings often varied from the patient ratings
Second generation antipsychotics associated with lower incidence, but it’s still a problem.
Use of these medications has been expanding to non-psychotic conditions.
Doctors reluctant to discontinue use because few alternative treatments – however assessing patient well-being should be considered, stigmatization, social withdrawal, loss of jobs, higher healthcare utilization,
Effects of TD on patients with serious mental illness include worsened pathology, comorbidities, increased mortality, poorer patient outcomes, speech, gait, respiration, cognitive function memory and processing.

Tardive Dyskinesia Research

00:00 Introduction to Tardive Dyskinesia and Nurse Practitioners

08:39 Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia

12:51 The Role of Dopamine in Mental Health

14:51 Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health

18:02 Stigma Surrounding Mental Health and Tardive Dyskinesia

21:36 Hope and History of Tardive Dyskinesia

23:53 Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia and Its Risks

25:10 The Importance of Communication in Mental Health

26:52 Exploring Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) and Their Management

28:58 Treatment Options for Tardive Dyskinesia

31:16 Impact of Movement Disorders on Daily Life

33:45 The Stigma of Mental Health and Employment Challenges

35:51 The Role of Telehealth in Mental Health Care

39:55 Finding the Right Therapist and Self-Advocacy

41:31 Final Thoughts on Tardive Dyskinesia and Mental Health

49:10 Ending the Stigma Around Mental Health

49:10 Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia

52:06 The Role of Dopamine in Mental Health

53:47 Embracing Uniqueness and Individuality

54:59 Strength Through Struggles and Community Support